Art Exhibition

MEET ME HALF-WAY: AT THE INTERSECTION OF ART, CULTURE & POLITICS. An exhibition bringing together artists, architects, writers, designers from Ghana and beyond.

Hybrid is an arts and urban collective founded by Lesley Lokko and Nat Amarteifio in Accra in 2008. Lesley Lokko is an architect and writer who holds a PhD in Architecture from the University of London; Nat Amarteifio is an architect, is the former Mayor of Accra and is currently undertaking doctoral research at the University of Ghana. Hybrid ’s aims are to mount public exhibitions, symposia and debates that examine and explore the role of contemporary African identity in the creative arts and architecture/urban realms. To this end, an exhibition is currently planned for 5 June, 2009. Meet Me Halfway, featuring the work of some 22 international and Ghana-based artists, architects, film-makers and designers will look at the intersection of art, culture and politics fifty years after Ghana’s independence. The exhibition will be held on the premises of the now-decommissioned prison at James Fort, Accra, which once held the country’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, and from where Ghana’s independence terms were thrashed out.

More Info on the Exhibition

Available Position - Exhibition Coordinator

They are seeking a volunteer to help with the logistics of putting on the exhibition during the months of April, May and the first week of June 2009 (a total of 8 weeks). Volunteers should have an interest in the arts in general; good inter-personal skills (including the ability to work in conjunction with a wide range of people, from highly-strung artists to semi-skilled labourers); computer-literate with the proven ability to write letters, answer the phone and e-mail enquiries; good time-keeping and organisational skills with room for initiative, independent decision-making and creative input. Whilst the curatorial decisions have largely already been made, the tight time-table, as well as the poor infrastructure of similar events in Ghana, means that the volunteer will need to be flexible, good-humoured, patient and resourceful.

To apply for one of our positions please complete an application form and email it together with an up to date resume and a short personal statement to info [at] ikando.org.

Code: HY01

Requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years of age upon application.
• You must meet the requirements above and have a strong interest in contemporary art and culture.
• In order to maintain the sustainability and high performance of this project all volunteers are required to complete a detailed hand-over document for successive volunteers.
• You will need to be flexible and tolerant, show initiative and enthusiasm to face the many hurdles and challenges that you will encounter.

Documentation Requirements:

• A completed application form - required for application.
• An up to date CV (Resume) - required for application.
• A short personal statement - required for application.
• A personal or professional reference given by an employer, teacher, lawyer or doctor. This reference must include detail of the context in which the referee knows you, verifying your CV and stating that he/she knows of no reason why you should not volunteer. The referee should also provide their contact details in order that Ikando can contact them prior to your departure to confirm the reference given. This reference should be emailed by the referee to info [at] ikando.org.
• A copy by email to info [at] ikando.org of your travel (including medical) insurance certificates.
• Information on your travel arrangements (flight number, airline, arrival and departure time and dates). We always recommend volunteers who book online to email us their booking.
• A copy of the photo page of your passport to be emailed to info [at] ikando.org.

All Documentation must be sent to us at least two weeks before arrival.

Academic credit is available for this placement. Email us for more information.

Important Details

Click here for more information on our pricing.

What’s included in the project fees?
• Accommodation
• Welcome pack
• In-country introduction to life in Ghana.
• Airport pick-up & drop-off
• 24/7 Emergency support.

What’s not included?
• Flights & Visa
• Vaccinations (please speak to your local GP)
• Insurance (required)

Health and Safety
Ghana is one of the safest countries in Africa. In the Global Peace Index it is ranked above both the United Kingdom and the US. It is the perfect introduction for first time volunteers to Africa. It has a democratic electoral process and a stable economy. Our ten-strong team in Ghana is there to ensure your health and safety at all times and you'll have emergency support 24/7.

Accommodation
The volunteer will be housed in our accommodation in the centre of town, with it possible to walk from the accommodation to nearby shops, communication centres, bars and restaurants. The spacious accommodation with a fully furnished kitchen is well maintained and has live-in staff to ensure you are well looked after. The surrounding garden and balconies overlooking Accra are perfect for chill out sessions with fellow volunteer housemates.

Food
Food is not included in our placements as in our experience volunteers prefer to cater for themselves. We have a fully furnished kitchen and our staff will show you where you can do your shopping. Western-style supermarkets and the bustling markets can be found nearby. A weekly vegetable & fruit shop can cost as little at $10, however shopping at the western-style supermarkets can be quite dear as most goods are imported.

"Quarshi (Ikando Staff) will introduce you to a woman named Felicia who sells mangos and bananas. Her mangos may very well be the sweetest in town. And, you will love shopping in the market." Elise Wray.

Airport Pick up
An Ikando member of staff will be at the airport arrivals to meet you and take you to the Accra accommodation. Please be aware that arrivals is located outside the airport, just keep an eye out for a sign with your name on it. Please ensure you send us your flight details two weeks before arrival.

Flights
Volunteers must arrange their own flights to Accra Airport (ACC). Please be aware that you should aim to arrive on the day your placement is due to start. If you are unable to do so please just check first with your volunteer coordinator whether the new dates also work for us. The following airlines fly into Accra:

• Alitalia (Lagos, Rome-Fiumicino)
• British Airways (London-Heathrow)
• Delta Air Lines (New York-JFK)
• EgyptAir (Cairo)
• Emirates (Abidjan, Dubai)
• Ethiopian Airlines (Abidjan, Addis Ababa, Lagos, Lome)
• Ghana International Airlines (London-Gatwick, Dusseldorf)
• Kenya Airways (Nairobi, Freetown, Monrovia)
• KLM (Amsterdam)
• Lufthansa (Frankfurt, Lagos)
• South African Airways (Johannesburg)

Volunteer Visa